Scratch That One Off The Bucket List

I'd say I'm just short of exceptional when it comes to follow through.

If I say I’m going to do something, I do it, more oftentimes than not.

If I’ve given my word, or committed to doing something, I will definitely do it. There's absolutely no doubt about it. If I don't commit, well then....

I’m reliable. I consider it one of my better traits.

Then there are the gobs of things I’d like to do, wish I could/would do. You know; bucket list stuff that sound fantastic if you could only find the time and opportunity.

I’ve been talking, for the last 10 years, about doing something with my closest girlfriend because we are both freaks for reality TV (not the Teen Mom, RH of Anywhere, Jersey Shore types).  The Amazing Race and Survivor are our gig!

Friends tell me all the time that I’d be perfect on AR because they know my love for travel. I’m always seeking out the more obscure places to visit. I prefer places where no one I know has gone before. Hey, I’m a trailblazer in my dreams. And I don’t mind discomfort, feeling lost or out-of-sorts when traveling. I’m spontaneous; handling the unknown and pressure rather well, if I may say so.

Well… WE. DID. IT!

We got our S$%T together, filled out the application, made our audition video (which I doubt I will share here) and sent in our pictures!

I was to write the 70 word “BIO”, of course, even though I warned my BFF that it was dangerous to put me in charge of such without prior viewing.

Here is what I wrote about the two of us which may or may not be true:

“Sue (highly trained nurse (prostate)) saved Gina’s (semi-retired Personal Trainer) life when she severely broke her neck in June in a lake.

Positives: Competitive, Charming, Freakishly Strong, Street-smart, Problem Solvers looking for Nonsense always. Neither minds the other naked appreciating their intelligence, humor and antics more.

Negatives: Naturally passive-aggressive making decision-making tricky, impatient, intolerant of stupidity, bad sleepers.

Sue’s morning chipper; Gina’s so-so! Sue’s nice; Gina lies by omission.

Together=Trouble=Winners”

Although, we will never get called on to compete, I’m proud that we finally put the money where our mouths are and actually sent in the goods. 

It's fun to dream sometimes.

And I'm tired of "what if"s.

GOLD STARS FOR FOLLOW THROUGH!!!

And it’s confirmed that our application was received yesterday:

“Dear Gina,

Thank you for your application for The Amazing Race Casting! Your pre-application form has been recorded into our database and will be read by our casting team in the order it was received.

Due to the large volume of applications we receive it is not possible to reply to all applicants individually.”

10 Someday I'll Do's

5.)    Someday I am going to _______. (Inspired by Marcy Writes)

Man, there are a hundred things I “think” I’m going to do someday. Hundreds!!!

The list has resided solely in my head, pretty much, until last weekend when it came up in conversation with my best friend. Of course, she’s heard or knows most of these things yet a few were new to even her and a few she just said “Why?!?” Because I have to, which may not be a very good reason at all?

Something’s have been on “the list” for a very long time (most) and a few things are new-ish. But I’m constantly thinking about it.  Some of these things are wishes blurred with someday things but they’re kind of the same, aren’t they? And I’ll just add as an aside, I’m not getting any younger so I should probably hustle on a few (no comments from the peanut gallery, please and you know who you are!)

So….Someday I’m going to _____________________.

1.     Become fluent in another language other than American and British English. My best chance is Spanish for which I have an entire Rosetta Stone program, unopened from almost 5 Christmases past. It was an expensive program and my family is still upset with me that I haven’t taken off the cellophane yet. I currently speak outstanding Spanglish for which I’m fairly proud, a teensy bit of French and a wee bit of Italian.

2.     Rent an apartment in Rome and live for a year.

3.     Get a rescue Lab to fill this house back up with some puppy action. Addison is too lonely without her sister!

4.     Rent a 58’ boat and sail throughout the Caribbean Sea for an entire winter.

5.     Become a yoga teacher and perfect that calm, soothing voice all great yoga teachers have helping their student to meditate peacefully and effectively.

6.     Take creative (fiction) writing classes at the local college.

7.     Live in the city again. I mean Chicago.

8.     Send in our application for the Amazing Race (mine and Susie’s) soon because it is due November 1^st.  The video submission is being edited right now. Our premise is that people often think we’re sisters and sometimes twins. We are quite funny together and, as a twosome, can charm just about anyone. She’s committed to doing all the gross eating challenges and I will hang out of all the helicopters. We don’t fight and we’re not catty but we make a joke out of just about everything but mostly ourselves. Wish us luck!

9.     Complete the 500 mile La Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage in Spain (The French Way (or route)). Actually, I’m leaving on June 3^rd, 2013. It will take 30 days.

10.                       Publish something some place other than on my blog. Taking that several steps further, I aspire to be a travel writer providing the 411 on exciting destinations, off the beaten path things to do, yummy food to eat and great places to stay.  And then get picked up by The Travel Channel and have a show that would be a combination Samantha Brown meets Anthony Bourdain (she’s too goody goody and he’s a bit brash) type vibe.

I don’t think any of these “some days” are too much to ask, do you? A girl’s got to dream!